The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Victoria set to swelter tomorrow with emergency services on high alert

Victorian is set to swelter tomorrow, with total fire bans in effect for all of the state’s areas bar the East Gippsland, and emergency services are on high alert ahead of the heat wave.

A severe fire danger warning is now in effect for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West, Central and West and South Gippsland forecast districts. The Northern Country, North Central, Central and West and South Gippsland areas are also at risk.

Meteorologists are expecting maximum temperatures in the 40s across Melbourne, while the Mornington Peninsula is also expected to cop hot weather.

Surf Lifesavers and rescue helicopters will be on high alert tomorrow as hot Victorians head to the beaches to cool off.